The basics of online booking
Online booking means clients schedule their own appointments without needing to message you first. You set up a booking page (through a booking platform) that shows your services, prices, availability, and how to pay a deposit. Clients pick what they want, choose a time, pay the deposit, and receive a confirmation.
You don't need to do anything until the appointment — the booking, confirmation, and reminder all happen automatically.
What the client experience looks like
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Visit your booking link | Client clicks the link in your Instagram bio or website |
| 2. Choose a service | They see your service menu with names, descriptions, duration, and price |
| 3. Choose a date and time | A calendar shows your available slots — only times you're free are visible |
| 4. Enter contact details | Name, phone number, email (varies by platform) |
| 5. Pay deposit | If you require a deposit, they pay it here by card — booking only confirms once payment is made |
| 6. Receive confirmation | Automatic confirmation email or SMS with their appointment details |
| 7. Receive reminder | Automatic reminder (24–48 hours before) — reduces no-shows |
What you see as the nail tech
From your side:
- A notification (push notification or email) when a new booking is made
- Your calendar updates automatically with the new appointment
- Client details visible in the booking (name, service, contact info)
- Deposit shown as received (if collected)
- Ability to reschedule, cancel, or message the client through the platform
How deposits work
With online booking, you can require clients to pay a deposit at the point of booking — before the appointment is confirmed. Here's how it typically works:
- You set a deposit amount (e.g. 30% of the service price, or a flat fee)
- Clients pay by card during the booking flow — the booking doesn't confirm until payment is received
- The deposit is held by the platform or paid to you, depending on the platform
- If a client cancels within your cancellation window, the deposit policy dictates whether they're refunded
- The remaining balance is paid at the appointment (cash, card, or link)
Deposit policy guide: nail tech deposit policy.
How reminders work
Most booking platforms send automatic reminders to clients before their appointment — typically 24 or 48 hours in advance. You configure this once; it runs automatically for every booking.
Reminders significantly reduce no-shows. Clients who would have forgotten are reminded; clients who can no longer attend have advance notice to cancel (within your policy window).
Getting started
Setting up online booking typically takes a few hours: choose a platform, create your service menu, set your working hours and availability, configure your deposit requirements, and share your booking link in your Instagram bio. Full setup guide: how to set up online booking for your nail business.
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Start free →Frequently asked questions
Do clients have to create an account to book online?
It depends on the platform. Some booking platforms require clients to create an account before booking; others allow guest checkout with just a name and phone number. Platforms requiring account creation add friction — clients who don't want to sign up may abandon the booking. When evaluating a booking platform, test the client experience yourself to see how many steps it takes.
What happens if a client books a time I'm not available?
Your booking system only shows available times based on your working hours and existing appointments. Clients can only select from available slots — they can't book times marked as unavailable. Make sure your working hours and any blocked-off time are set correctly to prevent unwanted bookings.
Can I manually add appointments to my online booking system?
Yes — most booking platforms allow you to add appointments manually (for clients who prefer to book by phone or message, or for walk-ins). Manual appointments block the time in your calendar just like online bookings.
